A rival to Apple’s iPad — Microsoft Surface Go

Microsoft just unveiled the Surface Go, its $399 iPad killer. Industry watchers expected the device, dubbed the Surface Mini, to be released in 2014, but it never materialized.

The device is a 10-inch screen and 3:2 display with Microsoft claiming it is the "smallest, lightest and most affordable Surface yet".

People will have to shell out $99 for the Surface Pen, $34.99 for the Surface Mobile Mouse, $99 for the Surface Go Type Cover, and $129 for the Surface Go Signature Type Cover Alcantara.

The new Surface Go is powered by the 7th Generation Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4415Y, in a fanless design, with up to nine hours of battery. RAM can be represented in two variants: 4 and 8 GB built-in memory is 64 and 256 GB. However, you can purchase the Surface Go with Windows 10 Pro through third-parties as well. Although smartly marketed as a productivity device flawless for students or people on-the-go, the new Surface Go will also be able to handle some light gaming thanks to the inclusion of Intel HD Graphics 615.

But how does the Surface Go measure up to its bigger brother, the Surface Pro? The company announced cheaper versions of both accessories on Monday.

Priced at $599 in Australia, the Surface Go is tablet with a 10-inch display. Next up is the version with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of solid-state storage and costs $549. Apple's iPad poses another formidable challenge - Surface Go is closer in price to the entry-level ($329) iPad than the more robust iPad Pro.

The Surface Pro is also available today with LTE Advanced connectivity, while we're told that the Surface Go will be available with that as an option further down the line. It has a great hinge that lets it fold out to nearly flat (165-degrees) with the kickstand and you can always flip the keyboard around for full tablet mode when needed. It's a little heavier than the Surface Go and measures up at almost a couple of inches longer, but that doesn't detract from it being a versatile, compact device. Then there is the USB-C 3.1 port as well that can also be used to charge the tablet or for transferring data. The Surface Go Signature Type Cover boasts ergonomic key pitch and a five-point multi-touch Windows Precision Touchpad for when you want to use it as a laptop.